In Brief

In this contempt case, the Supreme Court convicted advocate Prashant Bhushan for two tweets criticizing the judiciary and allegations made in his affidavit. While acknowledging his 35 years of public interest litigation work, the Court rejected his defence of truth, finding his allegations lacked bona fides and public interest—they were politically coloured and made without evidence. The Court emphasized that advocates, as officers of court, owe a higher duty than ordinary citizens. Though the Attorney General urged magnanimity and leniency, Bhushan refused to withdraw allegations or apologize sincerely. His publication of statements to media in the pending case worsened the contempt. Balancing his contributions against adamant refusal to show remorse, the Court imposed a nominal fine of Re.1 with a default sentence of three months imprisonment and a three-year bar from practising in the Supreme Court.

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